Canadian “Peace Pipe” (Calumet) Donated to SRAC

George Crowell and Sara Pertinoy proudly show the donated pipe

Wolf effigy face sculpted into the pipe design

 (WAVERLY, NY) George J. Crowell of Athens, PA recently donated a sculpted red stone pipe with wooden stem and adornments, commonly referred to as a “peace pipe” or “calumet,” to the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center (SRAC) in Waverly, NY.

The pipe was purchased at an Indian trading post outside of Ontario, Canada in 1996 by George’s wife, Carol E. Crowell on one of their many family trips. The pipe was donated recently to SRAC in her honor.

George explained, “Carol always had a deep regard for our Native American culture. She grew up outside Valley Forge, PA and then lived in Montana where Indian history was always a part of the local history. She taught our children on our farm to appreciate the Indian values of respecting your elders and to be thankful for the stewardship of our land and the wonder of the great creator.”

SRAC’s cofounder and executive director Deb Twigg added, “We are very excited that George donated the pipe to our Center. It is very unique and really adds to our exhibit in a way that brings the lives of the Native Americans more to life for our visitors.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow reminds us of the Native American reverence for the powers of the peace pipe in a poem titled "Hiawatha," claiming that the great creator stated, "Bury your clubs and your weapons, Break the red stone from this quarry, Mould and make it into peace pipes; Take the reeds that grow beside you, Deck them with your brightest feathers; Smoke the calumet together, And as brothers live henceforth."

The pipe is already on display at SRAC and will always be referred to as part of the SRAC/Crowell Collection for future generations to come to enjoy. The Crowell collection is the 20th collection of Native American artifacts donated to SRAC since their incorporation in 2005. SRAC is a nonprofit organization run 100% by volunteers and is located at 345 Broad Street in Waverly, NY. To learn more, or donate to SRAC visit http://www.SRACenter.org or call the Center at (607)565-7960.